The Italian popped up with the winner for the Rossoneri in the second half of their clash with the Grifoni on his 20th birthday as the win temporarily relieved the pressure on Massimiliano Allegri's side, who have suffered an underwhelming start to the season - this only their third victory in nine games in Serie A.

El Shaarawy has led by example with seven goals in the last five weeks and believes that his super start to the season is because he is no longer standing in the shadow of Ibrahimovic.

"I think that Ibra leaving has been to my benefit, I have more space to play and to show my worth," the striker told AC Milan's official website.

"But the team is made of other players who are champions. We don’t think about players who have left, we think of ourselves.

"I dedicate this goal [against Genoa] to president Berlusconi. It was an important goal and an important match. It’s a tough moment. It was an unforgettable birthday, the stuff of dreams."